Medjugorje: The Pleasant and Not So Pleasant Experience

At the top of Cross Mountain, taking advantage of the solitude and serenity.

Recently, I arrived back from my pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Herzegovina (officially Bosnia and Herzegovina), and it was for the most part a very pleasant and beneficial experience, but there were a few aspects that were not so pleasant; nothing major or terribly disturbing, but it did remind me of some thoughts I had from previous pilgrimages to Medjugorje that I never wrote about.

When one thinks of a pilgrimage, it typically evokes thoughts of a focussed spiritual journey that people take for a variety of reasons: to draw closer to God and Our Lady in a time of dedicated prayer and solitude; looking for the answers to many of life's questions; finding the solution to a problem; seeking clarity on the discernment of a vocation; the healing of any spiritual, psychological or physical needs; the hope for the cure of an illness, condition or disease; and the recharging of one's "spiritual batteries."

These and other reasons are why many go on pilgrimages. For the most part, a pilgrimage is quite a pleasant experience, but there are some unpleasant aspects that one has to deal with. This especially holds true if you spend any significant amount of time in Medjugorje.

To date, I have had the privilege of spending fifteen weeks in Medjugorje, spread out over three pilgrimages in three consecutive years; after a while, you begin to notice and take note of many things. This year's pilgrimage was certainly no exception.

I initially encountered some unpleasant aspects during the first week of my first pilgrimage in June'2014. As a pilgrim focussed on the journey, you tend to put the unpleasantness aside, and move forward with your purpose. This is what I, and practically everyone does on a pilgrimage. You should not let the unpleasantness get in the way. At the same time, there are a few things you can do to help avoid it. I hope that by sharing my recent pilgrimage experience, it will help others to do just that.

Medjugorje Mornings

Whether you are climbing and praying your way up Cross Mountain or Apparition Hill at sunrise, or ushering in the day with prayer at the Blue Crosses, or at your pension, Medjugorje in the morning is truly a mystical place. I have done all the above, and never have I experienced such peace anywhere else in the world.

The morning view, from the balcony at my pension, of St. James, the valley, and the mountains beyond.

Each day began with a 5:00am rise, and after having cleaned up, I began my morning prayers which took approximately ninety minutes and included: personal morning prayers, a meditation and prayer from My Daily Bread, Liturgy of The Hours, St. Gertrude The Great's prayer for the holy souls in purgatory, sinners in the universal Church, and for my family, a prayer for the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary, and a prayer to Our Lady to Spend The Day Well. 

Breakfast was at 9:00am, which was a perfect time for both me and the owners of the pension I was staying at. Each day's breakfast was something different: scrambled or boiled eggs; ham and cheese; a variety of different cold-cuts; a traditional meat pie; biscuits; fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers; and anything that I would have preferred or requested. No matter what I had for breakfast, a cup of black Indian tea and my MacBookPro were mandatory includes each morning.

After having finished breakfast, and surfing the net, my daily excursion would begin. It was typically a choice between the three main prayer sites: Cross Mountain, Apparition Hill or the Blue Crosses. All three locations are excellent choices for the ideal Medjugorje experience; that is, an encounter with God and Our Lady. This is the essence of what Medjugorje is really all about; to experience the encounter as many times as possible.

Cross Mountain

The view of the cross, at Cross Mountain, after the last Stations of the Cross prayer plaque.

Cross Mountain is the most difficult and highest of all three locations—the terrain is also the most rocky and dangerous requiring each pilgrim to be especially careful so as to avoid injury—and it is for this reason that I chose it. This coupled with the Stations of The Cross prayers, from St. Alphonsus Liguori, that I recited during each ascent, made for a much more penitential pilgrimage.

The walk from my pension to Cross Mountain afforded me the opportunity to mentally prepare, and become properly disposed for what really is a prayer with a little bit of climbing, not a climb with a little bit of prayer. I have actually dedicated an entire post on this, Medjugorje's Cross Mountain (Križevac): A Time Of Prayer With A Little Bit of Climbing, Not A Climb With A Little Bit Of Prayer.

A view of what pilgrims see when approaching the base (where the steps are) of Cross Mountain: two cafe/souvenir
shops on the mountain itself (on the left), and one of many souvenir shops (on the right) directly across the street.

The one thing that I have never liked about arriving at Cross Mountain was the existence of all the souvenir shops and cafes, some of which are actually on the mountain itself. They are, for the most part, a source of unwelcome chatter, laughter, and singing. In my view, these businesses should not be allowed to operate so close to the base of this prayerful climb.

I recall vividly, from my first climb up Cross Mountain in late June'2014, how repulsed I felt at the presence of all these shops and cafes. Their existence is part of an unpleasant reality: the profiteering at Medjugorje's prayer sites.

The prayer sites are not the only location where profiteering goes on, but they are the most obvious. As one small example, if you have ever purchased a 1.5L of bottle of water at Cross Mountain, Apparition Hill, or the Blue Crosses, for more than €1.00, you have fallen victim to the profiteering.

The base of Cross Mountain, where there is a sign with guidelines for pilgrims to pay heed to. The top-left image indicates that
pilgrims are to be quiet or not cause a disturbance. This is common sense, but ignored by many. To the right is a cafe and
souvenir shop, one of two on the mountain itself, and sadly only a few feet away from the first station prayer plaque.

Ironically, there is a sign at the foot of Cross Mountain, with several images that provide pilgrims with some guidelines while at the mountain, and for the climb. The majority of pilgrims have a respectful attitude, and it is clear by the way they act: in a very quiet manner, properly disposed and prepared for a prayerful climb. Others demonstrated quite the opposite, some unintentionally due in part to the initial excitement and joy of a "first climb," and being apart of a group pilgrimage. 

However, there are some pilgrims—a very small minority—that know exactly what they are doing. Their discourteous attitude is demonstrated with loud chatter and laughter; some even go and sit in the cafes, and break out into group singing that typically includes several songs.

As a pilgrim, you try to remain focussed, but sometimes it gets so bad, that you just have to bring it to the attention of those who are either intentionally or unintentionally, violating some of the most basic guidelines. I for one did this on a handful of occasions, never in a fury, but always with a charitable spirit, in a kind, calm and considerate tone, that was well received by everyone.

The Third Station of the Cross, where between the plaque and the arrow sign, is the back path from the top of the
mountain that leads to the third station.

Sadly, some people are openly defiant, knowing full well that they are disturbing others, as was the case with this one young man who I had to be very candid and direct with. He was the leader of a group that had completed their climb, and were making their way down the mountain from the back path, talking loudly and constantly. As he approached the third station, where I was praying at, I immediately informed him, in a very firm tone, that he shouldn't be in such conversation with his group, that a more suitable location for it would be at a cafe or restaurant...this is Križevac (Cross Mountain)! From the utterance of my first word, he and his group fell silent, clearly understanding that such violations on Cross Mountain are not tolerated by everyone. Needless to say, they continued with their descent in complete silence.

This is one of the unpleasant realities that pilgrims confront during their ascent up Cross Mountain; having to deal with others who, after having completed their climb, descend in full blown "conversation mode." 

Another unpleasant reality of Cross Mountain, during both the ascent and descent, is the presence of beggars. I really don't know how many they are, but on a few occasions, I encountered two individuals that I recognized from previous pilgrimages. Regardless, I sincerely hope that the police and "security presence" in Medjugorje, will seek to remove such individuals from, and keep them off the mountain.

Having initially confronted all this unpleasantness during my first pilgrimage in June' 2014, I employed the same strategy that I initiated back then; climb Cross Mountain at the hottest time of the day, when the overwhelming majority of pilgrims have already finished their climbs, and are no where to be seen. It was a strategy that served me well, as each climb was an undisturbed time of Divine Intimacy with God and Our Lady. On a few occasions, I even had the pleasure of climbing with other individuals, who shared my appreciation for a quiet climb.

If you are wondering how I coped with the intense heat and sun, well the answer is actually quite simple. I made sure to have plenty of water with me, at least 1.5L (sometimes 3.0L), depending upon the day's temperature. Although exposure to the sun was pretty much a constant throughout climb—the most intense times were when I was in prayer at each station—I made sure to pace myself to avoid becoming fatigued: it was a slow climb. This was vital for me so as to not detract from my willingness and ability to concentrate and meditate at each station. Slowly, but surely, I climbed the mountain. 

I don't recommend this for anyone who is not young, healthy or fit enough. Unlike myself, you may also want to wear a baseball cap or hat. Offer it all up, uniting your willingness to suffer the intense heat and sun, with your Stations of the Cross prayers.

No matter what I had to deal with prior to, or during my ascent, nothing minimized or detracted from the prayerful climb, and especially the serenity I experienced at the very top of the mountain. After completing the Stations of the Cross, and my personal prayer to Jesus at the foot of the cross, I would sit and rest at this one particular spot, which is captured by the first photo published with this post. It was a time of solitude and serenity, that afforded me the opportunity for undisturbed and intimate conversation with God and Our Lady; every occasion was a time of Divine Intimacy.

Filii Restoran Pansion

One of the highlights of each day was going to Filii Restoran Pansion, an amazing family-owned restaurant and pension. I came to know the family, as I became a regular customer from day three of my five week pilgrimage right until the last day. Let me tell you, they serve the best food in Medjugorje, and do so at great prices; at least 40% cheaper than you would pay for at any one of the many restaurants on the main strip.

Cevapi (large) at Filii Restoran Pansion, just one of the amazing dishes they serve.

After climbing a mountain, or walking (I typically put in somewhere between five to seven kilometers a day, depending on where I went) for several hours in Medjugorje, you build up quite an appetite. I always looked forward to my meals at Filii. The most strenuous walks were on the days that I climbed Cross Mountain and walked to Filii. Although I could have easily taken a taxi, I chose to walk, adding to the penitential pilgrimage experience.

It was during these walks, which took approximately one hour depending on my energy level, that I was completed exposed to the sun. Walking to Filii's was well worth it, because no matter what I ordered, the meals replenished my energy levels, and left me completely satisfied.

My usual arrival at Filii was approximately between three and four in the afternoon, which afforded me plenty of time to eat, relax with a cup of black tea, and still have plenty of time to walk back to St. James to prepare for the Evening Prayer Program.

I highly recommend any pilgrim who is in Medjugorje as of the publishing of this post, or those who are on route, or planning to go, to definitely make Filii Restoran Pansion, a daily destination choice for your eating needs.

My order of the vegetable platter at the outside patio.

If you do decide to go to Filii, my advice would be to first go by taxi (taxi fares are €5 within Medjugorje, whether you are one person or with three other people) so as to familiarize yourself with the location, should you decide to walk it in the future. All the taxis know Filii—it is one of the best and liked restaurants in Medjugorje—so you will have no problems getting there.

Nothing beats eating amazing food at great prices, within a pleasant atmosphere, served by friendly staff, and prepared by a wonderful family. It is the perfect compliment to good conversation and time well spent with family, friends, or fellow pilgrims.

If you have been to Medjugorje and never went to Filii Restoran Pansion, you haven't experienced all that Medjugorje has to offer.

Evening Prayer Program

Argentinian pilgrims in front of the back altar.

Each day, after Filii, I would walk to St. James (back altar) prior to the Evening Prayer Program, which began at 6:00pm with the Group Recitation of the Rosary. The Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries are recited first, which is only interrupted, for a few minutes, to honour Our Lady's apparition at 6:40pm, after which the Rosary continues, followed by the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. After, Mass is celebrated, then the group recitation of the "Seven Our Fathers, Hail Mary's and Glory Be's," a blessing of religious objects, healing prayers, and depending on which night: Veneration of the Cross; exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; and/or the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.

Although most days, I arrived at around 5:30pm, there were several days when I arrived earlier. This afforded me the opportunity to either: take a much needed nap; go to confession; or pray the Luminous Mysteries at Medjugorje's Luminous Mystery Mosaics; and purchase water or ice tea for the evening ahead. 

It was on one of those earlier arrivals that I was walking along at the very front of the altar, when a group of Argentinian pilgrims caught my attention. It was approximately 4:00pm, and they had situated themselves well in advance of the Evening Prayer Program, in the blistering sun. 

I was so impressed that I introduced myself and complimented them on their enthusiasm, and the sacrifice of having to suffer in the intense heat. I decided to ask if I could take a photo of them and they accepted. Those Argentinians are but one example of the pilgrimage spirit in Medjugorje.

After the completion of the Evening Prayer Program, I typically walked back to my pension, cleaned up from the day's activities, and went to bed.

Blue Crosses

The Blue Crosses are one of "the" prayer locations in Medjugorje, and a particularly special location for me; it is a very peaceful place for quiet prayer that I discovered during my first pilgrimage. Ever since that first pilgrimage, I have always experienced Divine Intimacy at the Blue Crosses. Taking only two minutes to climb from the street level, the Blue Crosses also happen to be one of the easiest locations to get to. 

This year, if I did not climb Cross Mountain, I spent a lot of time reciting the Rosary at the "Original Blue Cross," (see photo below), and sometimes at the newer one. Doing so also served as a much needed break from the fatigue of having climbed Cross Mountain for three or four consecutive days. Just as I did with Cross Mountain, I would target prayer at the Blue Crosses between noon to 4:00pm, for the exact same reasons.

A view of the Original Blue Cross from the make-shift seating under the big tree.

The Blue Crosses, both at the street level, and the short climb to them, are flanked by pensions, cafes and souvenir shops; another section of the "profiteering subculture" in Medjugorje, the worst of which is at Apparition Hill (see photo below). To elaborate a little about Apparition Hill, between the street level and the base of Apparition Hill, pilgrims literally have to run a gauntlet of jewellery stores, cafes, souvenir shops, and a pizzeria on a well made cobble-stone road, that takes approximately two-to-five minutes to complete, depending on your age.

The entrance to the gauntlet of shops and cafes, that pilgrims are forced to walk through, before arriving
at the base of Apparition Hill.

Like at Cross Mountain and Apparition Hill, the cafes and shops (see image below) at the Blue Crosses generate chatter, laughter, and noise when a significant amount of pilgrims arrive. If you have ever been at this location, you know how acoustic it is; conversations from the cafes and souvenir shops can be clearly heard from fifty feet away!

In addition, this year I encountered the unpleasantness of group pilgrimage leaders providing orientations (some with very large groups) at this prayer site, right in front the statues of Mary, where many other pilgrims (myself included) were only a few feet away immersed in silent prayer.

On one occasion, I arrived at the Blue Crosses, hoping to have a great prayer session, only to be met by the loud voice emanating from a speakerphone. It was so loud, you could hear it from the street. Needless to say, I did not stick around, but instead opted for a Rosary walk, and a late afternoon meal at Filii's.

The second Blue Cross, where the visionary Mirjana Soldo has her public apparitions. Below are
some of the souvenir shops and cafes. 

It is my impression that many people have no idea that they are violating "shrine etiquette," where silence is golden at the prayer sites. For some, the unintentional disturbance they cause is the result of being in Medjugorje for the first time, where enthusiasm and excitement trumps prudence. Some just do not appear to have the presence of mind, that they are at an international Marian shrine.

I met such a group, some very nice young pilgrims from Los Angeles, who needed help. Being right behind them during the short climb to the Blue Crosses, and hearing that they spoke fluent English, I offered my assistance. After the introductions, they asked me for some direction, which spawned a short exchange about the prayer sites. I did all this, informing them in a kind and considerate tone, that we all need to keep our voices down, because at this location, they can carry quite a distance; that the Blue Crosses were only thirty feet away from us. They had no idea, and thanked me.

Concluding Thoughts

A pilgrimage to Medjugorje is an overwhelmingly positive and pleasant experience. It is a place of many graces and blessings, peace, reconciliation and hope; an opportunity to have a more profound encounter with God and Our Lady.

Should you decide to go on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, whether it is your first time, or a return pilgrimage, it will: improve upon your prayer life; strengthen your faith; teach you about the spiritual battle; you will meet and connect with new and like-minded people; reconnect with previously established friendships; you will discover new things about yourself and your life; and develop a much more closer relationship with God and Our Lady.

As St. Pope John Paul II stated, "Medjugorje is the spiritual center of the world." 

The joy and peace that one continuously feels in Medjugorje, for the most part, makes it easy to ignore some of the unpleasant aspects. No matter what unpleasantness one experiences, the focus should always be on moving forward with the purpose of your pilgrimage. The unpleasantness can at times be quite challenging, and as a matter of making Medjugorje a better place for all pilgrims, may require an intervention.

What ever you do, do not let any unpleasantness detract from or diminish any aspect of your pilgrimage. Part of what you can do is take it to prayer, and offer it up. Be patient, kind, and demonstrate by your example what it means to be a pilgrim in Medjugorje.

Peace.

Medjugorje's Cross Mountain (Križevac): A Time Of Prayer With A Little Bit of Climbing, Not A Climb With A Little Bit Of Prayer

The Way Of the Cross First Station, Jesus is condemned to death

In Medjugorje this summer, I climbed Cross Mountain (Križevac) frequently, twelve times to be exact, always during the peak heat (35C-50C/86F-122F) of the day, typically from 12:00pm-4:00pm. I did so of my own choosing, offering up the extra effort to the Lord together with my prayer intentions for the Way Of The Cross, the Rosary and Mass.

My way to these prayerful climbs began with a walk from my pension to Križevac reciting the Rosary along the way, accompanied by one or two bottles (1.5L) of cold water or ice tea. By the time I actually arrived at the mountain, I had finished one bottle and was well hydrated before the climb began.

Done prudently, climbing Križevac during the hottest period of the day is really not as bad as it seems. A carefully paced climb that keeps in mind that this is more of a prayer than a climb, will help to ensure that you do not become overheated and exhausted by aggressively ascending the mountain. This really is the most fundamental important point to remember and understand about Križevac, it is not a climb with a little bit of prayer, but a time of prayer with a little bit of climbing.

Accompanying the climb with plenty of fluids is essential to ensure you do not get dehydrated. In addition, you have to be careful as to where you step, both climbing up and more importantly, on the way down the mountain. Make every effort to step on flat surfaces; with so many of the rocks smooth due to the steps of millions of pilgrims over the past thirty four years, it doesn't take much to sprain (or partially sprain) your ankle or worse. Coming down the mountain aggressively or too confidently, can be hard on your knees and back as well.

The view of Medjugorje and the valley below from the Fourth Station of The Way Of The Cross

The summer weather during my pilgrimage was very hot and dry, which happens to suit me perfectly. I prefer Herzegovina's climate so my climbs were not so much an increased level of suffering, but more of an extraordinary effort, which I united to Christ's passion.

One of the advantages of making this climb during the hottest part of the day was the opportunity to be alone, immersed in prayer undisturbed, seeking the Divine Intimacy that I so desired to have in Medjugorje. I was not to be disappointed; it was just one of the many gifts I received.

Some of the locals and fellow pilgrims that were aware of my climbs, charitably recommended (others very candidly) that I reconsider for a cooler time of the day. I assured them it was nothing to worry about. Part of the assurance I gave was based on my trust in God and Our Lady during my pilgrimage and the prudent approach I took; a properly paced climb with plenty of fluids, that ensured I took into account the heat of the day and that the effort to ascend the mountain would in no way diminish the spirit of prayer.

My pace was so slow that I did not breath heavily or become exhausted during the ascent. What affected me most was the time standing still in front of each station, reading reflections and praying in the sun, which typically took me 5-8 minutes to complete. 

Once the ascent has been completed, I quickly segued into an encounter with Jesus at the foot of the Cross (which contains a splinter from the original Cross that Jesus was crucified on), immersed in deep prayer. The anticipation of this moment brings with it the joy and relief of having finally arrived at the peak. 

This is one of, if not, the most important moments of the climb. How long you pray and how much time you spend at the foot of the Cross is a matter for each individual to determine; there are no restrictions and I recommend you spend what ever amount of time your heart desires.

View of the Cross upon completion of the Way Of The Cross prayer

All things considered, climbing Križevac at the hottest part of the day is only an option for those who are in good health and young enough to take on such a physical challenge. No matter what your age or fitness level, it will drain your energy and require rest and recuperation afterwards. My recuperation typically included several bottles of soda and a steak dinner. It was the only way I could regain some strength and energy to coherently attend the Evening Prayer Program after such a climb.

I encourage anyone currently in or on route to Medjugorje, to climb Križevac as often as possible, at whatever preferable time of the day or night. Each climb is an renewed encounter with Jesus, a time of Divine Intimacy. I would like to recommend that you accompany your climb with the prayerful reflections of Father Slavko Barbarić's book Pray With The Heart; a book that became my prayer companion during my pilgrimage this summer. In it there are prayers for: the Way Of The Cross, Rosary, Apparition Hill, Adoration, Veneration of the Cross, before and after Confession, fast days, healing prayers, prayers before and after Mass, morning and evening prayers. This book is available right in Medjugorje at the Franciscan Book Store, next to the Pošta (Post Office) and Information Center, near St. James Church.

Here is what Fr. Slavko recommends to pilgrims once they reach to the top of Križevac, noted in the chapter The Places Of Prayer In Medjugorje, "...Unite yourself with Jesus. When you reach the top, pray under the Cross, be the weather nice or bad. Take courage. Pray your fullest under the Cross. Cry your heart out because of your sins. Open your heart before the Cross and you will know what it means..." (14) For those that do this, they are sure to experience the peace and joy that comes from having reached the peak of Cross Mountain.

Me enjoying quiet time with God at the back part of Križevac

Once you have finished praying at the Cross, there is the option of experiencing continued Divine Intimacy at the back part of the Cross. This area of the Mountain's peak is quite large and affords you the opportunity to pick a spot for some private time and rest. There are several trees to shade you from the sun and the view is absolutely spectacular; the full range of mountains, the valley below and Medjugorje. It is the perfect place to hear and listen to God.

For all those called to Medjugorje, may Our Blessed Mother clear the way for you, protect and guide you on your pilgrimage and grant you an abundance of graces. Be assured of my prayers for you.


Our Lady Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Medjugorje Alert: Beware Of The Polish Catholic Renegade Group The Knights Of Christ The King

Knights of Christ The King Group ascending up Cross Mountain (Križevac), June 24th, 2014.
Father Piotr Natanek is the individual in the middle carrying the cross.

If you are somewhat surprised by the title of this post and wondering what it might be all about, I am sure you are not alone. This too was my reaction when I first saw an article on Medjugorje Today's web site entitled, Renegade Group Is Loose On The Mountains.

The concern surrounding this Polish Catholic group is with respect to its wrongful acceptance of "private revelations" of a suspended Polish Catholic priest, Father Piotr Natanek, who in his dissension, has spread wrongful opinions regarding the regality of Jesus. As a result Fr. Piotr has gained a Catholic cult following which the above photo depicts. 

My initial reaction to this matter had an added meaning not only because of my connection to Medjugorje, but due to the fact that I recognized the Polish group from my first climb up Križevac (Cross Mountain) this past summer. I was intrigued to read more about this matter so I decided to do some research. Today's post shares that information, in which I hope to not only inform those pilgrims that I journeyed with in the Summer'2014, but to also forewarn those individuals that are planning a pilgrimage to Medjugorje.

The suspension of Fr. Piotr was ordered by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the former special secretary to Saint Pope John Paul II. It was not a suspension ordered in haste, but was the result of having exhausted all communication efforts to reach Fr. Piotr and have him obey his superiors.

Father Piotr is known for his controversial homilies and messages, which increasingly became a problem for the Catholic Church in Poland because his sermons were being published on the internet. One sermon, in which Fr. Piotr preached against the incursion of Satan in the lives of young Polish people, was published to the internet and within a few days and was seen by more than half a million people.

After having examined the case by a theological commission, Cardinal Dziwisz decided to suspend the rebel priest for his disobedience.

Cardinal Dziwisz explained that Fr. Piotr received more than one admonition and in response should have demonstrated greater self control, and obeyed his superiors. Some of the communication efforts to try to reach Fr. Piotr included disciplinary directives and invitations to meet with his superiors in 2010, and canonical admonishments in 2007 and 2009. Father Piotr's actions were causing damage to the Catholic community around him. In a letter dated July 20, 2011 Cardinal Dziwisz's reveals the seriousness of this matter from the following segment:

...The basis of this decision is produced by the disobedience of p. Peter Natanek and his teachings that are contrary to the teachings of the Church regarding the views of the kingship of Jesus Christ. He is based on the teachings of private revelations and teaching abroad inspired the doctrines of the Church of seven eschatological. Father Peter Natanek distorted in this way not only the established doctrine of the efficacy of salvation in the Church, but also the devotion to the Mother of God, the angels and the saints mixed with magical notions of faith, leading to ridicule the religion of the Church. In his message, distributed by electronic media, undermines the authority of the bishops and priests, accusing them of disbelief and interact with the enemies of the Church. In response to criticism of his fellow pastors and priests try to create its own structures, discouraging his followers to be part of the communion of the universal Church and so exposes them to great spiritual and moral damages...(Annalisacolzi.it)

More of the Knights Of Christ The King from that June 24th climb up Cross Mountain (Križevac)

The photos published with today's post are my own that I took during my first climb up Cross Mountain (Križevac). These photos were taken at the base of Križevac, during the few minutes I had to spare after descending down the mountain.

Being in Medjugorje and just completing my first climb up Križevac, I was on a "spiritual high" as you can imagine. I did not expect to encounter a renegade group from Poland. Based on first impressions and what appeared to be a wonderful devotional procession up the the mountain, I was inspired to shoot some photographs. It is only because of today's post have I come to understand the purpose of that inspiration.

My pilgrimage and first climb up Križevac was not negatively affected in any way by this group's presence. In retrospect, I do not speculate as to the sincerity of their devotion to Jesus and the desire to express it in Medjugorje, but what I will state about this group is this; that as a matter of prudence they should severe all ties with Father Piotr, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and begin anew in their "sincere" desire to follow Christ. To maintain the course that they are on is spiritually dangerous for themselves and divisive for the Catholic Church.

If you do intend to make a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, I would like to respectfully recommend you remain cognizant of who this renegade group is, should they be present during your pilgrimage. Do not interact or make any contact with them. Carry on with the purpose of your pilgrimage.


May Our Lady Queen of Peace, guide and protect you on your pilgrimage. 

Medjugorje's Cross Mountain: The Way of The Cross

Cross Mountain (Križevac), captured from Apparition Hill (Brdo Ukazanja) 

In Medjugorje there are a few key locations that pilgrims should frequent and one of these is Križevac or Cross Mountain. It towers 1760 feet above sea level and has at its summit a large concrete cross, the final destination of all who climb it.

The cross was built in 1933, to commemorate the 1900 anniversary of Christ's passion. Completed in 1934, a local tradition was established to celebrate Mass once a year on September 14, in honour of the feast of the Triumph of The Holy Cross. In addition, this year being the twenty-fifth anniversary of Medjugorje's International Youth Festival, a Mass was celebrated at the top of Cross Mountain on August 6, by Fr. Marinko Sakota, the parish priest of Medjugorje, to close out the festival.

Between the seventh and eighth stations during my first climb up Križevac (Cross Mountain)

Cross Mountain has both a physical and spiritual dimension. The climb up Cross Mountain is quite a challenging one due to its steepness and the rocky terrain. There are no man made paths and coupled with an abundance of rocks in all sorts of shapes and sizes, this climb requires pilgrims to have all their wits about them.

Many of the rocks have become smooth over the years from the millions of pilgrims making the same journey, which makes climbing Cross Mountain especially dangerous in the rain. I experienced such inhospitable conditions during one of my climbs, approximately half way up the mountain when it began to rain. It did not detract from my spiritual focus, but it did put me to task to ensure I was prudent and cautious about my climb.

The descent down to the base of Cross Mountain does not offer much consolation to pilgrims. At times, negotiating this rocky landscape can be a series of challenging steps without a flat base to land on. One needs to be careful of leaping down from rock to rock to avoid sore knees. Maintaining a steady pace on the way down will help to ensure a safe return to the base. In my own experience, what ever the physical challenges were at each climb, in no way were they an impediment to the spiritual dimension.

Two of my fellow pilgrims at the thirteenth Station: Jesus is Taken From The Cross

The spiritual dimension of Cross Mountain is one of prayer not only at its summit, but throughout the climb, especially the Stations of The Cross. To aid pilgrims in their penitential climb up the mountain, there are bronze plaques for each Station of the Cross, with an additional special commemorative boulder for Franciscan Father Slavko Barbaric, who died at the spot of the boulder on November 24, 2000.

Father Slavko is a legend in the Medjugorje community, a Franciscan friar whose tireless work produced so many spiritual fruits for locals and pilgrims. In addition to establishing Majčino Selo (Mother's Village)—a place for war orphans, children from separated families, unwed mothers, elderly abandoned persons and sick children—Fr. Slavko has written books such as In The School of Love and Pray With The Heart, and several others which have been translated into twenty languages with over twenty million copies sold.

For those who are currently in Medjugorje, I highly recommend you purchase both aforementioned books at the Franciscan Book Store adjacent to the Information Center. Father Slavko's writings properly prepare pilgrims to enter into the spirit of prayer at Cross Mountain, Apparition Hill, the Blue Crosses, at Mass, before confession, for morning and evening prayers and the recitation of the Rosary. Both books were essential companions during my pilgrimage this summer.

My initial climb up Cross Mountain was part of a group effort, guided by one of Medjugorje's best guides, who did an excellent job of introducing the spiritual dimension of the climb by providing us with meditations and prayers at each Station of The Cross. We were further encouraged by our guide to hold Our Lady's "little stone," the Rosary in our hands and recite it as we ascended to each successive station.

This initial climb was a very special one. It was a wonderful gift from God to journey up the mountain with like-minded Catholics, all of whom were called by Our Lady to journey together during that grace filled time in our lives. Accepting Our Lady's call to Medjugorje entailed many things and the climb up Cross Mountain was just one of them.

Each of my climbs up Cross Mountain were peaceful hours in prayer, in divine intimacy with Jesus and Mary. I am not sure that there are words to adequately describe the peaceful feeling of each step of the climb. The best way to understand this is to experience it yourself.

After my initial experience climbing up Cross Mountain, I decided to frequent Križevac many times during my pilgrimage. Most of my climbs were done on an individual basis accompanied by the prayers and meditations of Saint Alphonsus Liguori's Way of the Cross. These prayers and meditations were a perfect companion during my climbs.

No matter how many times you climb Križevac, it will always be a challenging climb. Certainly if you climb it frequently enough, your physical conditioning will make it somewhat less challenging, but what really makes each successive climb so much easier than the previous one, is the spiritual aspect of it.

From my own experience, it was only after a few climbs that the physical challenges were hardly a concern. My greatest and overwhelming thought each time I approached the base of Cross Mountain was about the spiritual journey of this penitential climb, to encounter Jesus and Mary anew in a more profound way.

Two of my fellow pilgrims arriving back down at the base of the mountain.

Cross Mountain is a great climb any time of the day, but I found an afternoon climb to be the most preferable. The physical requirements coupled with the intense heat of the day were perfect compliments to enter into the spirit of prayer and share in what Christ suffered from the house of Pilate to Calvary. To keep myself well hydrated I also made sure to include a large bottle of cold water during each one of my climbs.

If you have recently arrived in Medjugorje, are on route or scheduled to go, I highly recommend that you climb Cross Mountain. All of my climbs were a grace-filled time of peace that made this penitential climb a joy.

I hope this will be your experience as well. May each one of your visits to Cross Mountain be a safe and spiritually beneficial time for you and your fellow pilgrims.


Kraljica Mira, moli za nas (Queen of Peace, pray for us)